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Research teams from the University of South Australia have recently secured a significant funding boost through Australian Research Council (ARC) Discovery grants. This funding, totalling AU$ 3.4 million, is earmarked for projects scheduled to commence in 2024. These projects span various academic disciplines, and they promise to drive innovation and contribute to the creation of new knowledge. The groundbreaking projects are:
Clean Water through Advanced Desalination Technology
Professor Haolan Xu, a member of the UniSA Future Industries Institute, has been awarded AU$ 537,717 for a project focusing on multi-energy-driven photothermal evaporators. These evaporators aim to revolutionise desalination practices by harnessing multiple energy sources from the environment and operating efficiently under variable weather conditions.
The goal is to ensure a stable supply of clean water, with potential benefits for remote communities experiencing severe freshwater shortages. This project holds the promise of making Australia a global leader in affordable, eco-friendly desalination technologies.
Empowering Teachers to Navigate the Age of Artificial Intelligence
Professor Maarten De Laat, affiliated with UniSA Education Futures, secured AU$ 467,827 to spearhead research into equipping Australian teachers to prepare students for the AI-driven future. As the applications of Artificial Intelligence continue to transform various aspects of society, it’s essential to understand what educators need to impart to their students.
This project seeks to build a foundational understanding of teaching with and about AI, as well as establish effective networks to empower teachers as agents of change. The outcomes are expected to empower teachers with the knowledge and resources needed to foster Australia’s future AI capability, enhancing classroom practices and facilitating collaboration among educators.
Rediscovering Disabled Authors in Australian Literature
Dr Jessica White, a member of UniSA Creative, has been granted AU$ 212,611 to lead a project focused on “Finding Australia’s Disabled Authors: Connection, Creativity, Community.” This endeavour delves into the lives and works of Australian writers living with disabilities, shedding light on their contributions to the country’s literary culture.
These authors have often remained in the shadows, and this project aims to generate new knowledge about how disability shapes their creative practice and their career trajectories. The research is expected to foster greater awareness of diversity in Australian literature and provide stronger support for emerging writers living with disabilities, contributing to a more inclusive literary community.
Understanding Mechanical Signalling in Cell Architecture
Professor Natasha Harvey, from UniSA’s Centre for Cancer Biology, has received a grant of AU$ 947,849 to explore the mechanisms underlying the relay of mechanical signals to induce changes in cell architecture. Mechanical signals play a pivotal role in shaping organs and organisms during development, but how they are transmitted to bring about changes in cell structure remains a mystery.
The research will focus on cadherin FAT4 and its role in transmitting mechanical signals in lymphatic endothelial cells, potentially finding applications in tissue engineering. This project promises to advance our understanding of how cells sense touch, with implications for regenerative medicine.
Unlocking the Secrets of Extracellular Vesicles
Bradley Distinguished Professor Sharad Kumar, based at UniSA’s Centre for Cancer Biology, has secured AU$ 658,402 for a project that aims to uncover new mechanisms regulating the biogenesis of extracellular vesicles. These vesicles are small packages containing active components derived from cells, critical for intercellular communication. However, the processes governing their formation and release are not well understood.
This project will focus on the role of ubiquitination, a type of protein modification, in controlling the production of extracellular vesicles. By leveraging innovative approaches and collaboration, the research aims to generate new knowledge crucial for understanding cell communication and its broader applications in cell biology and biotechnology.
These projects made possible through ARC Discovery grants, are poised to drive innovation and contribute to new knowledge across various fields, from desalination and education to literature, cell biology, and reproductive health. They represent the commitment of the University of South Australia to advance research with broad societal impact.
